Copperas Cove PD, Lil’ Tex hold Coffee With A Cop

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press 

Covites had the opportunity to get to know the city’s police officers in a casual setting with a Coffee with a Cop event held at Lil-Tex Restaurant Friday morning from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. Participants were invited to come in and enjoy a delicious breakfast and some coffee while getting to know their local police officers.

“It’s basically our way of reaching out to the public in a more casual setting,” said Deputy Police Chief Brian Wyers. “We’re here to just show them that we’re people too.”

Wyers said that it’s a good way for both the officers and the citizens to be able to relax and just talk to each other. He said that it’s a good way for people to talk to the officers about issues that are important to them, but maybe aren’t serious enough to warrant calling the police. This allows the officers to keep their eye out and monitor the situation.

“Even if it’s just one person, it helps us connect,” said Lt. Kevin Miller. “Our message is that we’re here, we’re part of the community, and we want your input.”

The Copperas Cove Police Department holds events like Coffee with a Cop throughout the year in addition to a pizza with a cop and even a cone with a cop event. Miller said that he was pleased that so many officers came to support the event. 

“There’s a lot of new police officers, and I wanted to take the opportunity to say hi and get to know them,” said Diane Payne about why she attended the event.

Payne was not alone. Despite the early hour, dozens showed up to enjoy a nice meal, chat with the officers, and let the officers know that they are grateful.

“We appreciate what these gentlemen and ladies do,” said James Hanson. “I couldn’t do it.”

James Hanson attended the event with his wife, Mary Hanson. Mary Hanson said that it’s important to her to attend events like Friday’s Coffee with a Cop because it helps her build and establish a relationship with the officers.

“When I see them, they know me and it makes me feel comfortable,” said Mary Hanson. “Especially Officer Miller, he really reaches out. He uses Facebook and he uses NextDoor, and I think that really makes a difference. I think that really gives us a better relationship with the police department.”